The 2026 Australian Open is set to begin, with a host of tennis legends making their way to Melbourne Park for the prestigious tournament. Officially kicking off on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the tournament will also feature a variety of matches starting as early as Saturday, January 17, for audiences in the U.S. Coverage will be provided by ESPN and ESPN2, while ESPN+ guarantees streaming access for Unlimited subscribers.
Fans can look forward to extensive tournament coverage, which will cover all qualifying matches that have already started as of January 12. ESPN’s streaming platform, including the revamped ESPN Unlimited subscription, will offer a treasure trove of live events and exclusive content for viewers. The tier costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually.
The tournament runs until February 1, 2026, and is open to those who wish to experience the top-tier tennis action right from the comfort of their homes. Viewers in Australia can stream matches for free with ads on 9Now, providing yet another option for passionate fans wishing to catch every game.
If you’re among those outside Australia looking to enjoy the Australian Open matches without a cable subscription, utilizing a VPN service can be an effective solution. This allows individuals to access free livestream coverage from Down Under by simply adjusting their server location accordingly.
The tournament schedule promises an exciting lineup, featuring matches from the first round through to the finals – culminating in the highly anticipated championship matches on February 1.
Key contenders in the singles draws include top-seeded players such as Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, among others. Both the men’s and women’s singles winners will walk away with a substantial prize of $4,150,000 this year, while the runner-ups will receive $2,150,000.
With a thrilling spectacle ahead, the 2026 Australian Open is poised to deliver exciting matches and unforgettable moments for tennis fans around the globe. As players vie for glory and fans cheer on their favorites, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be an extraordinary celebration of the sport.